witness stand
“This stone shall be our witness.” —Joshua 24:27
One of the most important words in the Bible is “witness.” Joshua said to the people: “You are your own witnesses that you have chosen to serve the Lord” (Jos 24:22). Joshua even set up a large stone as a witness. We have the custom of attaching little stones to rings, putting these rings and stones on our fingers, and using them as witnesses to our marriage vows.
Isaiah prophesied that we are called to be God’s witnesses (Is 43:10). Shortly before His Ascension, Jesus commanded: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you; then you are to be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). We are to be witnesses for Jesus right where we are and then even to the ends of the earth.
Are you a witness for Jesus? When was the last time you took the witness stand at home, work, school, or church? Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel (Rm 1:16). Acknowledge Jesus publicly (Mt 10:32). Don’t give Jesus the “silent treatment” but openly, boldly, freely, and courageously speak of your love for Him. Try to never let a day pass without witnessing to someone about Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, stir into flame the grace of my Confirmation so I will witness for You (2 Tm 1:6).
Promise: “ ‘Let the children come to Me. Do not hinder them. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ And He laid His hands on their heads.” —Mt 19:14-15
Praise: St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe witnessed to the Poles, the Japanese, and the Germans in the course of his powerful ministry of evangelization, holiness, and absolute trust in God.
Reference: (To witness to Jesus daily, read the Bible daily. For encouragement, consider ordering, listening to, or downloading Ignorance of Scriptures Is Ignorance of Christ, CD 82-1 or DVD 82; How to Pray the Bible on CD 82-3 or DVD 82; or How to Read the Bible on CD 46-3 or DVD 46. All are available on our website.)
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